These are the baits that may have started the whole big-bait craze in California, and this is the bait that caught what may have been the new world record bass in Northern California. The angler who caught the bass took pictures, weighed the fish as well as he could, and did the brave and honorable thing and released her back into her home water. The Castaic Trout are extraordinarily realistic looking in the package and swimming through the water. The key to these lures is the hard head design which incorporates a bill that creates a great swimming action when it is retrieved. This allows the bait to run below the surface and allows the soft, segmented body to wave back and forth like a real trout would swim. This bait floats, and with a little practice you can have it wallow on the surface, its tail slapping the water occasionally like a wounded or stunned trout struggling to swim down. Be prepared for unbelievable topwater explosions when using the Castaic Trout in this fashion. With a steady retrieve the Trout will swim like a real fish a few feet below the surface and look like a fat, dumb Planter Trout just cruising around looking for Power Bait.

The Real Baits feature a snap-on tail which will disengage when you are fighting a big bass and usually won't tear off so you can just snap it back on, no glue necessary. The Real Baits come in Slow Sinking and Floating models so they will fish the way you like. Choose the Floating Real Bait for swimming on the surface and waking and buy the Slow Sinking Real Bait to fish deeper. You can count down the Slow Sink bait and retrieve at any depth you want.

Don't worry if there are no trout in the lake you fish. Big bass feed on little fish, and a three pounder will have no problem going after the six or nine-inch baits pictured on this page. The twelve inch model is for real trophy hunting. These baits get bit regularly when fished correctly. For best results, use a seven to eight foot rod, medium to medium-fast action rated for a twenty-five pound line. We have several models available, but in a pinch you can try your flipping stick; although, when you try a rod built for the big baits you'll see the difference. For an inexpensive model, look at the 7'9" Heartland rod from Daiwa. Most guys like a larger round reel for these baits, like the Shimano Calcutta. Spool up with 17 to 25 pound line and throw the bait across flats and points, find the cranking speed that delivers maximum action from the bait and hang on, the bites can be savage and about rip the rod out of your hands!

F=Floating, SS=Slow Sink

6" weight 2oz, 9" weight 5oz, 12" weight 11oz.

Due to issues of integrity, Castaic has decided not to produce this product again until all problems are worked out. We apologize for any inconvenience.